This portion of the Master's degree program is designed to demonstrate that the student has reached a level of mathematical maturity beyond that of successfully taking courses and examinations. The student should exhibit such qualities as creativity and good judgment, as well as independence, clarity, depth, and breadth of thought.
A Master's thesis
in the Department of Mathematics
is a substantial written work in the mathematical sciences in
which the student makes an original research contribution to the
subject which they are investigating. The thesis topic is determined
by the student in consultation with the student's advisor. A public
oral defense of the thesis is required after its completion. In
recognition of the effort involved in preparing a thesis, the
requirement for courses taken in graduate school is reduced to
30 hours if the thesis option is elected. These hours may include
up to 6 hours credit for the thesis (Math 5000).
Work on the thesis should begin as soon as possible after the student has completed a substantial portion of their required course work. The student is encouraged (but not required) to present their thesis at a regional mathematics meeting. Copies of Master's theses are on display in the Mathematics Department lounge.
Technical style and format specifications for the thesis are found in the Graduate College Thesis/Dissertation Handbook which is available from the Graduate College.
The student must submit three copies of the thesis and six copies of the thesis abstract to the Graduate College by the due date announced annually in the Graduate College Calendar in the University catalog.
A Master's report in the Department of Mathematics
is a substantial written expository work on a topic in the mathematical
sciences determined by the student in consultation with the student's
advisor. A public oral presentation of the report is required.
The student is encouraged (but not required) to present their
report at a regional mathematics meeting. The required 32 hours
of course work may include up to 2 hours of credit for the report
(Math 5000).
Technical style and format specifications for the report are found in the Graduate College Thesis/Dissertation Handbook which is available from the Graduate College.
The student must submit to the Graduate College one copy of the report, with six copies of the report abstract. The report must be bound in a pressboard cover as described in the Graduate College Thesis/Dissertation Handbook. One copy of the report must also be submitted to the Mathematics Department's graduate director .
A creative component
in the Mathematics Department
is an individual investigation of a special topic in the mathematical
sciences beyond normal course work. A description of the creative component
should be filed with the graduate director and the Graduate College. Forms
for this purpose can be obtained in the Department office.
This work is done under the direction of a faculty member who determines what work is to be done and whether or not the student has completed it satisfactorily. The director of the creative component need not be a member of the student's advisory committee. A written presentation and a lecture to the Mathematics Department are required. No credit for Math 5000 may be included in the required 32 hours.
Work on the creative component should be started as soon as possible after the student has completed a substantial portion of their required course work. The student is encouraged (but not required) to present a talk on their work at a regional mathematics meeting. Copies of creative components are on display in the Mathematics Department lounge.
The written portion of the creative component must be typed. However, the technical style and form specifications are determined by the director of the creative component.
The student must submit one copy of the written portion to each of the graduate director , the director of the creative component and the student's advisor.
Upon approval by the creative component director, a Verification of Completion form must be submitted to the Graduate College. A copy of this form should be given to the graduate director for inclusion in the student's file.